This blog is dedicated to all the people of Selangor for voting in the new state government. Time to have your say now.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Selangor plans to have better record of their whereabouts - The Star

May 3 ,2008 By DHARMENDER SINGH

THE Selangor Government is looking at introducing an additional assessment charge for residential units housing foreign workers to have a better record on the placement of such workers.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said having the additional charges imposed would provide the state government with detailed information on where the foreign workers in the state worked and lived so that it could better plan the future of the state.

“Right now we know that there are over 1.5 million foreign workers in the state but we do not know how many there are in each district or where these people live,” he told a press conference after receiving contributions from state-owned companies for the Selangor Sukma contingent on Wednesday.

“There is no reason why Selangor, which has one the highest number of foreign workers, cannot have a detailed information system when Singapore has been able to do this efficiently,” he said when answering questions on whether the state government would continue with its plans to introduce a levy on foreign workers that would be used to provide training for local youths.

Khalid said the additional charges would also help foreign workers as they would have better living conditions while employers would no longer have to fear that their workers might run away since they were more easily tracked.

On whether the state government would be meeting the relevant ministries to discuss the introduction of the levy on foreign workers, Khalid said, the state government would try to hold a meeting soon

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Roles and responsibilities of councillors

Roles and responsibilities of councillors

As part of the local council administrative system, councillors carry these roles and responsibilities.

As a committee member who makes decisions on approval for applications like planning, development, and licensing. Yet at the same time their actions should not be contradictory and against the policy decided upon by the local council for the public interest.

To advice the local government on matters relevant to their expertise and profession

To represent the people and the local community in matters pertaining to their living condition at the respective local council.

As a mediator between the community and the local council and to serve as the patron for their residents association.

To relay the feedback and response given by the local community on the quality of service given by the local council.

To be policy and decision makers. To draw a set of local by-laws as a guide for administrative purposes in solving the local issues and on how to give best service to the people.

To draw the policy to determine the direction of the local council and the direction has to augur well with the state and central government’s policies and at the same time meet what the people want.

As spokesman for the local council to ensure that policies drawn at the local authority are accepted by the local community.

To get a response from the community if there is any abuse of misuse of power or funds by the local council.

To encourage public participation on activities and programs organised by the local council.

Appointment of the councillors

The Local Government Act 1976

Section 10 (1) - the local authority shall consist of the mayor or president and not less than eight not more than 24 other councillors to be appointed by the state authority.

residing in the respective local council

Have wide experience and knowledge in local government affairs

Achieved distinction in any profession, commerceor industry

Able to represent the interest of the community they are serving

Editor’s Note: If you have any comments or views on this issue of councillors, please write to us at metro@thestar.com.my.